Visiting Seattle

The Emerald City boasts the activity of large metropolis combined with beauty and cleanliness of nature. Seattle has variety of visitor destinations and restaurants to fit any taste or budget. Here are just a few destinations worth mentioning, however, there are countless others that lucky visitors find along the way!

Downtown Seattle

Westlake Center is a shopping mall located downtown and is centrally located near upscale department stores. The Seattle Central Library is relatively new building and can be difficult one to miss. In 2007 it was included in the American *Institute of Architects’ list of Americans’ favorite buildings.

Pioneer Square

Smith Tower used to be the nation’s tallest building west of the Mississippi when it was built in 1931. Today it offers rides up to the observation deck for a small fee. Check out the interesting story about the sole family who resides at the top if the tower. The Underground Tour is also a favorite among visitors and Seattleites alike. The tour gives an extensive history of The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 and rebuilding effort. Tickets can be purchased at their ticket office or online.

University District

The University of Washington has a gorgeous, sprawling campus. The Paul G. Allen Center of Computer Science and Engineering is a must-see for any technology enthusiast. The Museum of History and Industry will be featuring “Now & Then” during the time of the event. Just blocks South of the Museum of History and Industry is the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, a great attraction for any person who appreciates the outdoors.

Pike Place Market

It is difficult to describe what all vendors have to offer at this iconic market. It varies from local produce, crafts from small artisans and fresh fish flying from all directions. Across the street from the market is the world’s first Starbucks. It is hard to believe that the java giant had humble beginnings as a small coffee house in 1971.

Seattle’s Waterfront

The Olympic Sculpture Park is a free outdoor attraction featuring large sculptures for views to walk through and enjoy at their own pace. Ye Olde Curiosity Shop is a favorite among visitors with its eclectic variety of knickknacks from mummies to sea shells. The store also offers Ghost Tours of the area around the pier 7 days a week.

Seattle Center

The Experience Music Project (EMP) has a variety of exhibits devoted different genres of music. Some visitors say they could spend days in the EMP! The Space Needle is a must-see for any new Seattle visitor. Rides to the observation deck and dining at the Needle’s restaurant are offered daily. If you are afraid of heights the Space Needle is an iconic piece of Seattle that can be admired from ground level.

Getting Around Seattle

Take your choice from among buses, trains, streetcars, a monorail, and the most extensive urban ferry system in the Lower 48. Taxis and Metro Transit buses and are ubiquitous throughout the greater Seattle area so you should be able to get to wherever you’re going quickly and easily.